A PLANNED renewal of a decades-old Cleveland playground has been put on hold as Redland City Council awaits clarity from the Federal Court on the native title status of Henry Ziegenfusz Park.
Cr Paul Gollé said Council officers had advised that the proposed upgrade would not proceed despite $40,000 being allocated this financial year for concept design work at the park.
The playground was installed in 1992.
Council told Local Redland Bayside News the project would not proceed “at this time” following the end of hearings in the Quandamooka Coast Claim in December 2025.
It said an alternative playground location within the park had been investigated but underground infrastructure limited the available options.
Council said it could reassess the playground after the park’s native title status was determined.
The design funding has been returned to its portfolio management department.
The existing equipment will continue to be inspected and maintained to ensure it remains safe for public use.
Federal Member for Bowman Henry Pike said families were missing out when native title uncertainty prevented basic community upgrades.
“When uncertainty around native title prevents a local council from renewing something as basic as a neighbourhood playground, it is Redlands families who ultimately miss out,” Mr Pike said.
Mr Pike said native title claims were affecting more than 3000 Council-owned or managed properties across Redlands, including parks, playgrounds and other community assets.
“We cannot allow years of legal uncertainty and mounting costs to become a barrier to maintaining and improving the facilities our community uses every day,” he said.
Mr Pike said the Commonwealth had previously provided financial support to both native title claimants and respondents, but the Albanese Government had abolished the Native Title Respondent Funding Scheme.
He said it should be restored “at the very minimum”.
“We need a fair and practical system, not one where playgrounds, sporting facilities and other community infrastructure are left in limbo,” he said.
Cr Gollé said the decision raised wider questions about Council’s ability to renew public facilities.
“It is extremely disappointing that a project as fundamental as renewing a local playground can be stopped because of these constraints,” he said.
“The community should not be left wondering whether existing parks and recreational facilities can be maintained, upgraded or replaced when they reach the end of their useful life.”
Cr Gollé said he understood the playground would be assessed for its remaining useful life, raising concerns it could eventually be removed without replacement.
Council did not indicate that removal was planned.
He said native title obligations must be respected but clearer practical pathways were needed to allow vital infrastructure to be delivered.
“Residents are entitled to ask what this means for the future delivery of community infrastructure across Redland City,” Cr Gollé said.
